Jack Bailey

Trying to find my Grandfather's Royal Marine records from WW2
We do not have his service number and no info as my mother said he never spoke of the war so all we have is an old photo of him in uniform

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 18/02/2023 19:41:56

Hi Jason

Unlike today not all Royal Marines were Commandos in WW2. We do not have access to official service records. RM Service Records can be applied for without a service number but for obvious reasons additional detail should be provided in order to find the right 'Jack Bailey'. Difficulties come in to play with names like Jack as often it was used instead of John. Does anyone know when and where he died? If so you could apply for a copy of his death certificate.

You can find more about the Service Record application process here:
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

Pete

Hi Jason,
46 Royal Marine Commando had 3 men named Bailey in their unit.
Marine A.A. Bailey CH/X104446 taken POW 11/06/44
Cpl J. Bailey PO/X103464 KIA 19/06/44
Capt J.F. Bailey returned safely home from the war.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 20/02/2023 22:42:24

Hi thanks for the info, I know my grandfather returned home safe from the war, his full name was Jack Desmond Bailey, just a shame I have no photo of him side on where I suspect his RM badge and unit emblem would have been, speaking to my mother I am going to send off for a duplicate death certificate and follow the link Pete sent
Once again cheers for the input

My pleasure Jason
Double check with your family that there are no old photo albums or boxes in the attic that may contain photos or papers.
If he did become a Commando he would have his unit number on his shoulder patch. It would be a number from 40 to 48 Royal Marine Commando and he will be wearing a Green beret.
If he didn?t become a Commando then as a Royal Marine he could have done a number of support roles.
Many of the men become crew of landing craft and were actively involved in the DDay beach landings.
If you do find anything else then please share it with us and we?ll do all we can to help you uncover his war journey.
Regards
Jeff